15/06/2026
๐๐ถ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฐ ๐ญ๐ด๐ต๐ต ๐ ๐ฎ๐น๐ผ๐น๐ผ๐ ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ด๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ด๐น๐ฎ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ผ ๐๐ฐ๐พ๐๐ถ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฃ๐๐ฏ๐น๐ถ๐ฐ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป
The is set to receive another invaluable piece of the nation's documentary heritage with the forthcoming donation of the Reglamento del Congreso de la Repรบblica Filipina, the rulebook of the historic Malolos Congress. The rare volume was acquired by Senator Juan Miguel โMigzโ Zubiri during the Leon Gallery auction held on 13 June 2026 for โฑ700,000. Following his successful bid, Senator Zubiri announced that he would donate the document to the National Library, emphasizing its historical significance: โItโs important for people to know that as far back as 1899, we had rulesโand knew the importance of having them.โ
The Reglamento is regarded as one of the most important surviving documents of the First Philippine Republic. Believed to be the only extant copy, the 127-year-old publication survived the Philippine Revolution and the Philippine-American War, while the original copies are presumed to have been lost to history. Comprising 38 pages and measuring 7 by 5 inches, the rulebook provides a remarkable glimpse into the workings of Asiaโs first constitutional republic. It demonstrates the Malolos Congressโs commitment to democratic governance through detailed provisions on parliamentary procedure, legislative conduct, committee organization, the protection of minority opinions, and the maintenance of order and security within the assembly.
The document bears the signatures and certifications of key figures of the Malolos Congress, including Pedro Paterno, Pablo Tecson, and Pablo Ocampo, who served as secretary-elect and was one of the principal authors of the rulebook. Senator Zubiri, a direct descendant of Pablo Ocampo, described the acquisition as both a personal and national responsibility. Following the auction, the document was symbolically handed over to Director-General Jeremy Barns of the National Museum of the Philippines in the presence of National Historical Commission of the Philippines Commissioner Lisa Guerrero Nakpil and Jaime Ponce de Leon of Leon Gallery.
Once transferred to the National Library of the Philippines, the Reglamento del Congreso de la Repรบblica Filipina will join the institutionโs growing collection of rare and significant documents related to Philippine independence and nation-building, including the historic Malolos Constitution. Its preservation in the National Library will ensure that future generations of Filipinos can access and appreciate this enduring testament to the political vision, democratic ideals, and legislative traditions of the First Philippine Republic.
Sources:
Nakpil, L. G. (2026, June 1). In 1899, Malolos Congress crafted rules. The Philippine Star.
Nakpil, L. G. (2026, June 15). Malolos Congress trove reaps P5 million. The Philippine Star. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/06/15/2535255/malolos-congress-trove-reaps-p5-million
